split charging

[scooby]

Has anyone bought the split charge system off ebay for £12.00 if so is it up to the job are am i best it get the real thing.

[Bob696]

Maplins sell one for £8 in their projects section (might even be the same one as on ebay and somebody is using maplins as a stockist)  :roll:

[scooby]

Maplins sell one for £8 in their projects section (might even be the same one as on ebay and somebody is using maplins as a stockist)  :roll:

looks as if iam off to maplins then,

[Range Rover Blues]

There are 2 in Towsure, one is £12 and the other about £8.  I bought the expensive one and it's a dodle to wire up.

[landyman Ash]

What are you using the split charge for???

I bought the £12 one of ebay and it works but not great.

Im running twin optimas (yellow and a red) and the charger cant deal with the current needed.

If its a fridge or the occasional use of a second battery fine.  Heavy winching, forget it!

I have ditch mine now.  Might still have it if you want it??

[Range Rover Blues]

That's very true, the split-charge relays are designed for a caravan fridge and leisure battery, not heavy electrics like a winch.  If you intend to draw more than about 10 amps continuously I would suggest a set of heavy relays with the shortest run of cable possible.  These realys can themselves be controlled by a voltage-sensitive switch or relay if that's what is required.

[landyman Ash]

I enter winch comps and the only way to keep the two topped up is to run the batteries in parallel.  Its not ideal BUT with optimas works a treat!!

Not ideal for alot of people but if your drawing HUGE current this will work.

BUT remember the batteries will balance themselves so make sure you have a good alternator so they both stay topped up or they will both go flat!!!

[scooby]

What are you using the split charge for???

I bought the £12 one of ebay and it works but not great.

Im running twin optimas (yellow and a red) and the charger cant deal with the current needed.

If its a fridge or the occasional use of a second battery fine.  Heavy winching, forget it!

I have ditch mine now.  Might still have it if you want it??

runing spot lamps at 130 watts per bulb have 5 off them on the truck also run winch, plus a few extras inside the truck

[muddyweb]

My advice would be to forget a split charge system.  Just use decent batteries and a decent alternator.

[landyman Ash]

I'd go with Tim on that one.

I ran winch, 5 spots, compressor etc etc with a 75amp alyernator and a red top optima for two years with zero problems.

I only run two optimas now as Im doing comps and when your winching 20 to 50 times in a matter of a few hours you need that extra battery!!!  :)

If your not doing comps, get a top battery in there and up rate your alternator is probably the cheapest and best long term solution  :D